U.S. patent application number 10/846595 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for apparatus and system for recording and reproducing contents.
Invention is credited to Okamoto, Chikashi.
Application Number | 20050207575 10/846595 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34986297 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050207575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okamoto, Chikashi |
September 22, 2005 |
Apparatus and system for recording and reproducing contents
Abstract
A system for reproducing contents in a different device
conveniently in use while protecting a copyright of digital
contents includes a contents recording and transmission device, a
reception and reproduction device, and an external storage medium
having an ID. The external storage medium is connected to the
reception and reproduction device. The ID is transmitted to the
recording and transmission device, and ascertained. Then contents
are delivered. The external storage medium has a list of contents
stored therein. In the case where the contents are recorded in a
plurality of devices, only a device to which the external storage
medium is connected is made to be capable of reproducing the
contents. A contents reproducing function is implemented as a
program in a component form.
Inventors: |
Okamoto, Chikashi;
(Yokohama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANTONELLI, TERRY, STOUT & KRAUS, LLP
1300 NORTH SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 1800
ARLINGTON
VA
22209-3873
US
|
Family ID: |
34986297 |
Appl. No.: |
10/846595 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
380/201 ;
386/E5.004; G9B/20.002 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04H 2201/70 20130101;
H04N 21/4627 20130101; G11B 20/00086 20130101; H04N 21/4325
20130101; H04N 21/4108 20130101; H04N 21/43615 20130101; H04N
2005/91321 20130101; H04N 5/913 20130101; H04N 2005/91364 20130101;
H04H 60/27 20130101; G11B 20/0021 20130101; H04N 21/43622 20130101;
H04N 5/765 20130101; H04N 21/8355 20130101; H04N 5/775
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
380/201 |
International
Class: |
H04H 009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 19, 2004 |
JP |
2004-079456 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A recording and reproduction system including a recording
device, a reproduction device, and an external storage medium which
holds unique information, the recording device comprising: a
recording unit for recording contents; a communication unit for
communicating with the reproduction device; an external storage
medium management unit for reading/writing data from/into the
external storage medium; a unit for recording unique information of
the external storage medium and recorded contents so as to
associate them with each other; a unit for writing information of
the recorded contents and communication information of the
recording device required for communication between another device
and the recording device into the external storage medium; a unit
for ascertaining that unique information of the external storage
medium received from the reproduction device having a unit for
reading out unique information and communication information from
the external storage medium coincides with unique information
recorded so as to be associated; and a processing unit for
transmitting, after ascertaining coincidence in unique information,
contents recorded so as to be associated with the unique
information to the reproduction device.
2. A recording device used in a recording and reproduction system
including a recording device, a reproduction device, and an
external storage medium which holds unique information, the
recording device comprising: a recording unit for recording
contents; a communication unit for communicating with the
reproduction device; an external storage medium management unit for
reading/writing data from/into the external storage medium; a unit
for recording unique information of the external storage medium and
recorded contents so as to associate them with each other; a unit
for writing information of the recorded contents and communication
information of the recording device required for communication
between another device and the recording device into the external
storage medium; and a unit for ascertaining that unique information
of the external storage medium received from the reproduction
device having a unit for reading out unique information and
communication information from the external storage medium
coincides with unique information recorded so as to be associated,
wherein, after ascertaining coincidence in unique information, the
recording device transmits contents recorded so as to be associated
with the unique information to the reproduction device.
3. A reproduction device used in a recording and reproduction
system including a recording device having recorded contents, a
reproduction device, and an external storage medium which holds
unique information, the reproduction device comprising: a
communication unit for communicating with the recording device
having contents recorded so as to be associated with the unique
information of the external storage medium; an external storage
medium management unit for reading data from the external storage
medium further having communication information of the recording
device required for communication with the recording device; and a
unit for transmitting the unique information to the recording
device by using the communication information read out from said
external storage medium management unit, wherein the reproduction
device receives and reproduces contents transmitted from the
recording device which has conducted ascertainment on the basis of
the transmitted unique information.
4. A recording and reproduction system including a recording and
transmission device for recording and transmitting contents, a
reception and reproduction device for receiving and reproducing
contents data from the recording and transmission device, and a
portable external storage medium which holds unique information,
the recording and transmission device comprising: a recording unit
for recording the contents; a communication unit for communicating
with the reception and reproduction device; an external storage
medium management unit for reading/writing data from/into the
external storage medium; a processing unit for recording unique
information of the external storage medium and recorded contents so
as to associate them with each other; a processing unit for writing
information of the recorded contents and communication information
of the recording and transmission device required for communication
between another device and the recording and transmission device
into the external storage medium; a processing unit for
ascertaining that unique information of the external storage medium
received from the reception and reproduction device coincides with
unique information recorded so as to be associated; and a
processing unit for transmitting, after ascertaining coincidence in
unique information at said ascertaining processing step, contents
recorded so as to be associated with the unique information to the
reception and reproduction device, and the reception and
reproduction device comprising: a communication unit for
communicating with the recording and transmission device; an
external storage medium management unit for reading data from the
external storage medium; a reproduction unit for reproducing
received contents; a processing unit for reading out the unique
information, the contents information and the communication
information from the external storage medium; a processing unit for
transmitting the unique information read out to the recording and
transmission device; a unit for displaying the contents information
read out; and a unit for identifying contents selected by a user,
and requesting the contents from the recording and transmission
device by using the communication information associated with the
contents.
5. The recording and reproduction system according to claim 4,
wherein the recording and transmission device comprises: a
reproduction unit for reproducing the recorded contents; a
processing unit for ascertaining that unique information recorded
so as to be associated with reproduced contents coincides with
unique information read from the external storage medium; and a
processing unit for reproducing, after ascertaining coincidence in
unique information at said ascertaining processing unit, the
contents, and the reception and reproduction device comprises: a
recording unit for recording the received contents; a processing
unit for ascertaining that unique information recorded so as to be
associated with recorded contents coincides with unique information
read from the external storage medium; and a processing unit for
reproducing, after ascertaining coincidence in unique information
at said ascertaining processing unit, the contents.
6. The recording and reproduction system according to claim 4,
wherein the recording and transmission device comprises: a
processing unit for transmitting the contents information to the
reception and reproduction device, and the reception and
reproduction device comprises: a processing unit for receiving the
transmitted contents information; and a processing unit for writing
the received contents information into the external storage medium
connected to the reception and reproduction device.
7. The recording and reproduction system according to claim 4,
wherein the recording and transmission device comprises: a
processing unit for conducting encryption processing using the
unique information on the contents, and the reception and
reproduction device comprises: a processing unit for conducting
decryption processing using the unique information on the contents
subjected to the encryption processing.
8. A recording and reproduction system including a recording and
transmission device for recording and transmitting contents, and a
reception and reproduction device for receiving and reproducing
contents data from the recording and transmission device, the
recording and transmission device comprising: a recording unit for
recording the contents; a communication unit for communicating with
the reception and reproduction device; a reproduction unit for
reproducing the recorded contents; a processing unit for encrypting
the contents, recording the encrypted contents, and deleting
original contents; a processing unit for reproducing the encrypted
contents while decrypting the encrypted contents by using key
information required for reproduction of the encrypted contents; a
processing unit for transmitting the encrypted contents to the
reception and reproduction device; and a processing unit for
transmitting the key information to the reception and reproduction
device, and deleting the key information stored in the recording
and transmission device, and the reception and reproduction device
comprising: a communication unit for communicating with the
recording and transmission device; a recording unit for recording
the contents; a reproduction unit for reproducing the recorded
contents; a processing unit for recording the encrypted contents
received from the recording and transmission device; a processing
unit for recording the key information received from the recording
and transmission device; and a processing unit for reproducing the
encrypted contents while decrypting the encrypted contents by using
the key information; and a processing unit for transmitting the key
information to the recording and transmission device and deleting
the key information stored in the reception and reproduction
device.
9. A recording and transmission device used in a recording and
reproduction system including a recording device for recording and
transmitting contents, a reception and reproduction device for
receiving contents data from the recording and transmission device
and reproducing the contents data, and a portable external storage
medium which holds unique information, the recording and
transmission device comprising: a recording unit for recording the
contents; a communication unit for communicating with the reception
and reproduction device; an external storage medium management unit
for reading/writing data from/into the external storage medium; a
unit for recording unique information of the external storage
medium and recorded contents so as to associate them with each
other; a unit for writing information of the recorded contents and
communication information of the recording and transmission device
required for communication between another device and the recording
and transmission device into the external storage medium; and a
unit for ascertaining that unique information of the external
storage medium transmitted from the reception and reproduction
device by using communication information read in the reception and
reproduction device from an external storage medium coincides with
unique information recorded so as to be associated; and a unit for
transmitting, after ascertaining coincidence in unique information,
contents recorded so as to be associated with the unique
information to the reception and reproduction device.
10. A reception and reproduction device used in a recording and
reproduction system including a recording and transmission device
having recorded contents, a reception and reproduction device for
receiving and reproducing contents data from the recording and
transmission device, and an external storage medium which holds
unique information, the reception and reproduction device
comprising: a communication unit for communicating with the
recording and transmission device having contents recorded so as to
be associated with the unique information of the external storage
medium; an external storage medium management unit for reading data
from the external storage medium further having communication
information of the recording and transmission device required for
communication with the recording and transmission device; a unit
for transmitting the unique information to the recording and
transmission device by using the communication information read out
from said external storage medium management unit; and a unit for
receiving and reproducing contents transmitted from the recording
and transmission device which has conducted ascertainment on the
basis of the transmitted unique information.
11. The recording and reproduction system according to claim 4,
wherein said transmitting processing unit in the recording and
transmission device comprises: a unit for transmitting, after
ascertaining coincidence in unique information at said ascertaining
processing step, a program of a component form having a
reproduction function of the contents mounted thereon to the
reception and reproduction device together with contents recorded
so as to be associated with the unique information, and said
reproduction unit in the reception and reproduction device
reproduces the contents by using the program of the component form
required for reproduction received from the recording and
transmission device.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese
application JP2004-079456 filed on Mar. 19, 2004, the content of
which is hereby incorporated by reference into this
application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus, and system,
for recording and reproducing contents that is convenient to use
and allows reproduction of contents using a different device.
[0003] In a conventional technique, an information terminal
including communication means and external storage means storing a
key for decrypting encrypted data are provided in order to
implement temporary sharing of contents data among a plurality of
terminals while preventing digital contents from being illegally
copied. When referring to encrypted data recorded in the
information terminal, the key for decrypting the encrypted data
recorded in the external storage means is temporarily copied into
storage means in the information terminal. The number of times data
is decrypted by using the copied key is limited (for example, see
JP-A-2002-190795).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In the technique as described above, the number of times of
contents reproduction is limited. Therefore, the technique cannot
cope with such a way of using that broadcasted contents are
preserved in a receiver and a receiving person reproduces the
contents without being limited in the number of times as in, for
example, a TV broadcast receiver having a hard disk recording
apparatus.
[0005] Furthermore, in the technique described above, duplication
is possible even if the number of contents reproduction can be
limited. Therefore, the technique cannot be applied to a device
requested to erase preserved data so as to prevent transfer
processing from corresponding to contents duplication when
transferring contents data preserved after reception to another
device, as in terrestrial digital broadcast receivers in which
contents duplication is limited to only once.
[0006] When the user acquires contents data that is not stored in a
device on hand via a network and reproduces the contents data, it
is necessary to obtain information concerning what kind of
information is stored in which device and how to conduct
communication, resulting in inconvenience in use.
[0007] The present invention has been achieved in order to solve
the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is
to provide a mechanism for reproducing contents in a different
device conveniently in use while protecting a copyright of digital
contents.
[0008] In order to achieve the object, the present invention uses a
system including a recording and transmission device (or recording
device) for recording digital contents and transmitting the digital
contents to another device, a reception and reproduction device (or
reproduction device) for receiving contents data from the recording
and transmission device and reproducing the contents data, and a
portable external storage medium for holding unique information
(unique number).
[0009] The recording and transmission device reads and store the
unique information of the external storage medium. Upon receiving a
contents delivery request from the reception and reproduction
device, the recording and transmission device determines whether
unique information received from the reception and reproduction
device coincides with the stored unique information. In the case of
coincidence in unique information, the recording and transmission
device delivers contents to the reception and reproduction device.
In the case of noncoincidence in unique information, the recording
and transmission device does not deliver contents to the reception
and reproduction device.
[0010] Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention,
contents are encrypted prior to the delivery so as to be decrypted
by using key information held by the external storage medium. If
the recording and transmission device holds reproduction means
therein, the recording and transmission device reproduces recorded
contents only while the external storage medium is connected to the
recording and transmission device. If the reception and
reproduction device holds recording means therein the reception and
reproduction device can decrypt and reproduce recorded and
encrypted contents only while the external storage medium is
connected to the reception and reproduction device.
[0011] Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the
recording and transmission device stores contents information, such
as a number, name, length, quality and digest of contents recorded
in its own device, and communication information, such as an
address and an encryption key required for communication with its
own device, in the external storage medium. The reception and
reproduction device displays these contents information held by the
connected external storage medium, and transmits a delivery request
for contents selected by the user to the recording and transmission
device by using the communication information.
[0012] Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the
recording and transmission device transmits a program of a
component form having a contents reproduction function mounted
thereon together with contents. The reception and reproduction
device brings itself into a state in which contents can be
reproduced by using this program.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, it is determined
by determination using the unique information of the external
storage medium whether the device of delivery destination of
contents data is connected to the external storage medium. As a
result, the recording and transmission device can deliver contents
data to only the reception and reproduction device connected to the
external storage medium having registered unique information.
[0014] Even if the recording and transmission device has a
reproduction unit and the reception and reproduction device has a
recording unit, in accordance with the present invention,
reproduction of the same contents is limited to one of the devices
connected to the external storage medium. Even if in fact encrypted
contents are recorded in both devices, therefore, the situation
becomes the same in substance as that in which the contents are not
duplicated.
[0015] Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, it
seems to the user as if the contents data are stored in the
external storage medium, and the user can reproduce and view the
contents data without caring about the actual storage
destination.
[0016] Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the
contents reproduction function is mounted on a program of a
component form, and another device can receive and use the program.
Even if contents are those encoded by using an uncorresponding
encoding scheme, therefore, the reception and reproduction device
can reproduce the contents. Furthermore, even if the function of
reproducing contents only when the external storage medium is
connected is not mounted, the reception and reproduction device can
implement the function by using the program.
[0017] As heretofore described, according to the present invention,
it is possible to provide a mechanism for reproducing contents in a
different device conveniently in use, while protecting a copyright
of digital contents.
[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide a mechanism for reproducing contents conveniently in
use.
[0019] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent from the following description of the embodiments
of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration
in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing information held and transmitted
to each other by devices included in a system in a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing configurations of
devices included in a system in a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing operation of a recording
and transmission device 1 in the case where an external storage
medium 3 is connected in an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a system operation in the
case where the user connects an external storage medium 3 to a
reception and reproduction device 2 and attempts to reproduce
contents, in a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information
recorded in a recording apparatus 15 in a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information
recorded in an external storage medium 3 in a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an output view of
an output apparatus 25 at step 2001 in a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing information held and transmitted
to each other by devices included in a system in a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing configurations of
devices included in a system in a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a system operation in the
case where contents are not recorded in the reception and
reproduction device 2 and the user attempts to reproduce contents,
in a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing a system operation in the
case where contents are recorded in the reception and reproduction
device 2 and the user attempts to reproduce contents, in a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing a system operation in the
case where contents are recorded in the recording and transmission
device 1 and the user attempts to reproduce contents, in a second
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of information
recorded in a recording apparatus 15 in a second embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Hereafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0035] Hereafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will
be described.
[0036] First, a schematic configuration of a system in the present
embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0037] In FIG. 1, numeral 1 denotes a recording and transmission
device, numeral 2 a reception and reproduction device, 3 an
external storage medium, and 4 a network.
[0038] The recording and transmission device 1 is an electronic
device having a function of receiving and recording broadcasted
contents and delivering the broadcasted contents to another device.
The recording and transmission device 1 has a function of
conducting communication with the reception and reproduction device
2 via the network 4, and a function of conduct connection with the
external storage medium 3 and reading and writing data. As examples
of the recording and transmission device 1, there are a TV
broadcast receiver having a hard disk recording apparatus and a
personal computer having a TV broadcast reception function, which
are installed in a living room in one's home.
[0039] The reception and reproduction device 2 is an electronic
device for transmitting a delivery request for contents desired to
be reproduced by the user to the recording and transmission device
1, receiving contents transmitted from the recording and
transmission device 1, and reproducing the contents. In addition,
the reception and reproduction device 2 has a function of
conducting communication with the recording and transmission device
1 via the network 4, and a function of conducting connection with
the external storage medium 3 and reading and writing data. As
examples of the reception and reproduction device 2, there are a
notebook computer installed in a bedroom in one's home, a TV
corresponding to network communication installed in a living room
in a friend's home, and a kiosk terminal installed at a station or
airport.
[0040] The external storage medium 3 is a storage medium that is
independent of the recording and transmission device 1 and the
reception and reproduction device 2. As examples of the external
storage medium 3, there are a USB memory, an IC card and a portable
telephone.
[0041] The network 4 is a communication line between the recording
and transmission device 1 and the reception and reproduction device
2. As examples of the network 4, there are the Internet, a domestic
network, and an internal office network.
[0042] Information held and transmitted to each other by the
devices included in the above-described system in the present
embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0043] The recording and transmission device 1 holds contents,
contents information, and communication information. The contents
information includes contents identification information such as a
number, name, length, quality and digest data of recorded contents,
and information representing a feature of contents. The
communication information is information needed when another device
conduct network communication with its own device, such as a device
number, a network address, a communication scheme, an encryption
scheme and an encryption key. The recording and transmission device
1 writes the contents information and the communication information
into the external storage medium 3, reads an ID from the external
storage medium 3, and holds the ID in association with the contents
information.
[0044] The external storage medium 3 holds a unique identifier,
i.e. an ID. Furthermore, the external storage medium 3 holds the
contents information and the communication written into the
recording and transmission device 1.
[0045] The reception and reproduction device 2 reads the ID, the
contents information and the communication information from the
external storage medium 3.
[0046] The recording and transmission device 1 transmits an ID
request and contents data to the reception and reproduction device
2. The reception and reproduction device 2 transmits a contents
request and an ID to the recording and transmission device 1.
[0047] Schematic configurations of devices included in the system
in the present embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIG. 3.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the recording and transmission device 1
in the present embodiment includes a communication apparatus 11, a
control apparatus 12, an external storage medium management
apparatus 13, a broadcast reception apparatus 14, and a recording
apparatus 15.
[0049] The communication apparatus 11 is an apparatus for
conducting communication with the reception and reproduction device
2 via the network 4.
[0050] The control apparatus 12 is an apparatus for executing a
program held therein and controlling operation of the whole
recording and transmission device 1. Contents received by the
broadcast reception apparatus 14 and contents information are
transferred to the recording apparatus 15 and recorded.
Furthermore, the contents information and communication information
are transferred to the external storage medium management apparatus
13, and written into the external storage medium 3. The ID of the
external storage medium 3 is read into the external storage medium
management apparatus 13, transferred to and recorded in the
recording apparatus 15, and managed in association with contents
information. In response to a contents request received from the
reception and reproduction device 2 by the communication apparatus
11, an ID request is generated, transferred to the communication
apparatus 11, and transmitted to the reception and reproduction
device 2. It is determined whether the ID received from the
reception and reproduction device 2 by the communication apparatus
11 coincides with the ID recorded in the recording apparatus 15.
Contents are subjected to encryption processing using the ID, and
resultant contents are transferred to the communication apparatus
11 and transmitted to the reception and reproduction device 2.
Furthermore, a program of a component form having a contents
reproduction function mounted thereon is transferred to the
communication apparatus 11 and transmitted to the reception and
reproduction device 2.
[0051] The external storage medium management apparatus 13 is an
apparatus for conducting communication with the connected external
storage medium 3, reading the ID of the external storage medium 3,
and writing the contents information and communication
information.
[0052] The broadcast reception apparatus 14 is an apparatus for
receiving broadcasted contents.
[0053] The recording apparatus 15 is an apparatus for recording the
contents, contents information, communication information and the
ID of the external storage medium 3. As examples of the recording
apparatus 15, there are a disk, tape, and semiconductors.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the reception and reproduction device 2
in the present embodiment includes a communication apparatus 21, a
control apparatus 22, an external storage medium management
apparatus 23, an input apparatus 24, and an output apparatus
25.
[0055] The communication apparatus 21 is an apparatus for
conducting communication with the recording and transmission device
1 via the network 4.
[0056] The control apparatus 22 is an apparatus for executing a
program held thereby and controlling operation of the whole
reception and reproduction device 2. The external storage medium
management apparatus 23 is made to read the contents information,
communication information and ID held by the external storage
medium 3. The contents information is transferred to the output
apparatus 25, and displayed. A contents request is generated in
accordance with operation contents of the user obtained from the
input apparatus 24, transferred to the communication apparatus 21,
and transmitted to the recording and reproduction device 1. In
response to an ID request received from the recording and
reproduction apparatus 1 by the communication apparatus 21, an ID
is transferred to the communication apparatus 21 and transmitted to
the recording and reproduction device 1. Encrypted contents
received from the recording and reproduction device 1 by the
communication apparatus 21 are decrypted. The decrypted contents
are transferred to the output apparatus 25 and displayed.
Furthermore, contents are brought into a reproducible state by
using a program of a component form having a contents reproduction
function mounted thereon, which is received from the recording and
reproduction device 1 by the communication apparatus 21, and the
contents are transferred to the output apparatus 25 and
displayed.
[0057] The external storage medium management apparatus 23 is an
apparatus for conducting communication with the external storage
medium 3 connected thereto, and reading the contents information,
communication information and ID held by the external storage
medium 3.
[0058] The input apparatus 24 is an apparatus for the user to
operate the reception and reproduction device 2. As examples of the
input apparatus 24, there are buttons, switches, keys, dials, a
stick, a pad and a mouse.
[0059] The output apparatus 25 is an apparatus for displaying
information of the contents, contents reproduction results, and
information concerning the operation of the reception and
reproduction device 2 to the user. As examples of the output
apparatus 25, there are a monitor, lamps, a speaker and a
vibrator.
[0060] Hereafter, operation of the recording and transmission
device 1 in the case where the external storage medium 3 is
connected thereto in the present embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0061] First, the broadcast reception apparatus 14 receives
broadcasted contents, and the recording apparatus 15 records the
received contents (step 1001). Subsequently, the control apparatus
12 creates contents information on the basis of the received
contents, and the recording apparatus 15 records contents
information (step 1002). Subsequently, the external storage medium
management apparatus 13 reads the ID of the external storage medium
3 connected thereto, and the recording apparatus 15 records the ID
thus read out (step 1003). Subsequently, the external storage
medium management apparatus 13 writes the contents information and
communication information recorded in the recording apparatus 15
into the external storage medium 3 (step 1004).
[0062] Hereafter, system operation in the case where the user
connects the external storage medium 3 to the reception and
reproduction device 2 and attempts to reproduce the contents in the
present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5.
[0063] First, in the reception and reproduction device 2, the
external storage medium management apparatus 23 reads out contents
information held by the external storage medium 3 connected thereto
and the output apparatus 25 displays the contents information thus
read out (step 2001). Subsequently, the control apparatus 22
discriminates contents to be reproduced and a device having the
contents recorded therein on the basis of the user's operation on
the input apparatus 24 (step 2002). In the present embodiment, the
device having the contents recorded therein is the recording and
reproduction device 1. Subsequently, the control apparatus 22
generates a delivery request for the discriminated contents, and
the communication apparatus 21 transmits the generated delivery
request to the recording and reproduction device 1 (step 2003).
[0064] Subsequently, in the recording and reproduction device 1,
the control apparatus 12 determines whether the contents requested
to be delivered are copy-free, i.e., whether the contents requested
to be delivered can be freely copied (step 2004). If the contents
are copy-free (yes at the step 2004), the communication apparatus
11 transmits the contents to the reception and reproduction
apparatus 2 (step 2010). If the contents are not copy-free (no at
the step 2004), the control apparatus 12 generates an ID request,
and the communication apparatus 11 transmits the generated ID
request to the reception and reproduction apparatus 2 (step
2005).
[0065] Subsequently, in the reception and reproduction apparatus 2,
the external storage medium management apparatus 23 reads an ID of
the external storage medium 3 connected thereto (step 2006), and
the communication apparatus 21 transmits the ID thus read to the
recording and transmission device 1 (step 2007). The ID transmitted
at the step 2007 may also be transmitted together with the delivery
request at the step 2003. In this case, the ID reading at the step
2006 is conducted before the step 2003, and the step 2005 is not
conducted.
[0066] Subsequently, in the recording and reproduction device 1,
the control apparatus 12 determines whether the ID received in the
communication apparatus 11 from the reception and reproduction
apparatus 2 coincides with the ID recorded in the recording
apparatus 15 (step 2008). In the case of noncoincidence (no at the
step 2008), the processing is finished. In the case of coincidence
(yes at the step 2008), the control apparatus 12 encrypts the
contents (step 2009), and the communication apparatus 11 transmits
the encrypted contents to the reception and reproduction apparatus
2 (step 2010). It the contents are copy-free at the step 2004, the
encryption at the step 2009 may not be conducted. Furthermore, at
the step 2010, a program of a component form having a contents
reproduction function mounted therein may be transmitted to the
reception and reproduction apparatus 2.
[0067] Subsequently, in the reception and reproduction apparatus 2,
the control apparatus 22 decrypts the encrypted contents received
in the communication apparatus 21 from the recording and
reproduction device 1, and the output apparatus 25 outputs the
decrypted contents (step 2011). If at the step 2010 a program of a
component form having the contents reproduction function mounted
therein is received together with the contents, the control
apparatus 22 brings the contents into a reproducible state by using
the received program, and the output apparatus 25 outputs the
decrypted contents.
[0068] Hereafter, the contents information and ID held in
association in the recording apparatus 15 in the recording and
transmission device 1 in the present embodiment will be described
with reference to FIG. 6.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, in the recording apparatus 15, a unique
number 151 of the held contents, a title 152, recording date and
hour 153, recording time 154, copyright protection contents 155
applied to contents, and an ID 156 of the external storage medium 3
having contents information already stored therein are associated
with each other. At the step 1002, information generated from the
received broadcast contents is recorded in fields of the unique
number 151, the title 152, the recording date and hour 153, the
recording time 154 and the copyright protection contents 155. At
the step 1003, the ID read out from the external storage medium 3
by the external storage medium management apparatus 13 is recorded
in a field of the ID 156.
[0070] Hereafter, in the present embodiment, the contents
information and the communication information held in association
in the external storage medium 3 will be described with reference
to FIG. 7.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, contents information including a unique
number 31 of the contents, a title 32, recording date and hour 33,
recording time 34 and copyright protection contents 35 applied to
contents, and communication information including a unique number
36 of a device having contents recorded therein, a network address
37 of the device and a communication unit 38 are previously
associated with each other and preserved in the external storage
medium 3. The contents information and the communication
information written by the external storage medium management
apparatus 13 in the recording and transmission device 1 at the step
1004 are associated with each other and held in respective
fields.
[0072] By the way, in FIG. 7, the contents information and the
communication information are associated with each other
collectively at a time. Alternatively, it is also possible to
provide the contents information and the communication information
individually with numbers, associate the numbers with each other,
and record the numbers.
[0073] Hereafter, an output view obtained on the output apparatus
25 in the reception and reproduction device 2 in the present
embodiment at the step 2001 will be described with reference to
FIG. 8.
[0074] At the step 2001, the output apparatus 25 outputs a part of
contents information read out from the external storage medium 3 by
the external storage medium management apparatus 23, and urges the
user to select contents to be reproduced. FIG. 8 shows an example
of a view displayed at this time. Since the user need not know what
contents is recorded in which device, the communication information
may not be displayed. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8,
selection is conducted in a radio button form and an OK button is
clicked. Instead of the radio button, selection may be conducted
from a drop down list, or a button or an icon for each contents may
be clicked and specified.
[0075] Hereafter, a second embodiment will be described.
[0076] In the first embodiment, contents reproduction is not
conducted in the recording and transmission device 1, and contents
recording is not conducted in the reception and reproduction device
2. In the present embodiment, however, contents recording and
reproduction are conducted in both the recording and transmission
device 1 and the reception and reproduction device 2. As for
portions overlapping those in the first embodiment, description
will be omitted.
[0077] Information held and transmitted to each other by the
devices included in a system in the present embodiment will now be
described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0078] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 2 in that the reception and reproduction device 2
holds the contents, contents information and ID. In the first
embodiment, the reception and reproduction device 2 only
reproduces, displays or transmits contents transmitted from the
recording and transmission device 1 and contents information and ID
read out from the external storage medium 3, but the reception and
reproduction device 2 does not record them. In the second
embodiment, however, the reception and reproduction device 2
associates the contents, contents information and ID to each other,
and holds them in its own device.
[0079] Schematic configurations of devices included in the system
in the present embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIG. 10.
[0080] FIG. 10 showing the second embodiment differs from FIG. 3
showing the first embodiment in that the recording and transmission
device 1 includes an input apparatus 16 and an output apparatus 17
and the reception and reproduction device 2 includes a recording
apparatus 26.
[0081] The input apparatus 16 is an apparatus for the user to
operate the recording and transmission device 1. As examples of the
input apparatus 16, there are buttons, switches, keys, dials, a
stick, a pad and a mouse.
[0082] The output apparatus 17 is an apparatus for displaying
information of the contents, contents reproduction results, and
information concerning the operation of the recording and
transmission device 1 to the user. As examples of the output
apparatus 17, there are a monitor, lamps, a speaker and a
vibrator.
[0083] The recording apparatus 26 is an apparatus for recording the
contents, contents information, communication information and the
ID of the external storage medium 3. As examples of the recording
apparatus 26, there are a disk, tape, and semiconductors.
[0084] It is supposed that in the case where the reception and
reproduction device 2 does not have contents recorded therein in
the present embodiment the user attempts to reproduce the contents
in the reception and reproduction device 2. Hereafter, operation of
the system in this case will be described with reference to FIG.
11.
[0085] Operation similar to that in the first embodiment is
conducted as far as the processing of transmitting contents to the
reception and reproduction device 2 conducted by the recording and
transmission device 1 at the step 2010 shown in FIG. 5. Also in the
case where a program of a component form having the contents
reproduction function mounted therein is transmitted to the
reception and reproduction device 2 together with contents, similar
operation is conducted.
[0086] Thereafter, in the reception and reproduction device 2, the
control apparatus 22 transfers the encrypted contents received in
the communication apparatus 21 from the recording and reproduction
device 1, to the recording apparatus 26, and causes the encrypted
contents to be recorded (step 3001). Subsequently, the control
apparatus 22 transfers the contents information read out from the
external storage medium 3 by the external storage medium management
apparatus 23 at the step 2001 to the recording apparatus 26, and
causes the contents information to be recorded (step 3002).
Finally, the control apparatus 22 decrypts the encrypted contents
recorded in the recording apparatus 26, and the output apparatus 25
outputs the decrypted contents (step 3003). If a program of a
component form having the contents reproduction function mounted
therein is received together with the contents, the control
apparatus 22 brings the contents into a reproducible state by using
the received program, and the output apparatus 25 outputs the
decrypted contents.
[0087] By the way, recording of the contents information at the
step 3002 may be conducted simultaneously with the step 2001.
Furthermore, if contents are not encrypted, the decryption at the
step 3003 is not conducted.
[0088] It is supposed that in the case where the reception and
reproduction device 2 does not have contents recorded therein in
the present embodiment the user attempts to reproduce the contents
in the reception and reproduction device 2. Hereafter, operation of
the system in this case will be described with reference to FIG.
12.
[0089] First, in the reception and reproduction device 2, the user
operates the input apparatus 24, and orders to display a contents
list. In response to this order, the control apparatus 22 transfers
the contents information recorded in the recording apparatus 26 to
the output apparatus 25 and causes the contents information to be
displayed (step 4001). Subsequently, the user operates the input
apparatus 24, and selects contents. The control apparatus 22
discriminates the contents (step 4002).
[0090] Subsequently, the control apparatus 22 determines on the
basis of the contents information recorded in the recording
apparatus 26 whether the ordered contents have been delivered from
another device (the recording and transmission device 1 in the
present embodiment), or obtained directly by its own device by, for
example, receiving broadcast (step 4003).
[0091] If the ordered contents have been delivered from another
device (yes at the step 4003), the control apparatus 22 determines
on the basis of the contents information recorded in the recording
apparatus 26 whether the specified contents are copy-free (step
4004).
[0092] If the specified contents are not copy-free (no at the step
4004), the control apparatus 22 determines via the external storage
medium management apparatus 23 whether an external storage medium 3
having an ID associated with the specified contents is connected
(step 4005).
[0093] If an external storage medium 3 having an associated ID is
not connected (no at the step 4005), the control apparatus 22
causes the output apparatus 25 to display a view for urging the
user to connect a proper external storage medium 3 (step 4006).
[0094] If the specified contents have been obtained directly by its
own device (no at the step 4003), the specified contents are
copy-free (yes at the step 4004), or an external storage medium 3
having an associated ID is connected (yes at the step 4005), then
the control apparatus 22 decrypts the encrypted contents recorded
in the recording apparatus 26 and the output apparatus 25 outputs
the decrypted contents (step 4007). If a program of a component
form having the contents reproduction function mounted thereon has
been received together with the contents, the control apparatus 22
brings the contents into a reproducible state by using the received
program, and the output apparatus 25 outputs the decrypted
contents. By the way, decryption at the step 4007 is not conducted
if the contents have not been encrypted.
[0095] By the way, the step 4003, the step 4004 and the step 4005
may be interchanged in order.
[0096] By the way, the step 4005 may be conducted at the step 4007
by the program of the component form having the contents
reproduction function mounted thereon.
[0097] It is supposed that in the case where the recording and
transmission device 1 has contents recorded therein in the present
embodiment the user attempts to reproduce the contents in the
recording and transmission device 1. Hereafter, operation of the
system in this case will be described with reference to FIG.
13.
[0098] First, in the recording and transmission device 1, the user
operates the input apparatus 16, and orders to display a contents
list. In response to this order, the control apparatus 12 transfers
the contents information recorded in the recording apparatus 15 to
the output apparatus 17 and causes the contents information to be
displayed (step 5001). Subsequently, the user operates the input
apparatus 16, and selects contents. The control apparatus 12
discriminates the contents (step 5002).
[0099] Subsequently, the control apparatus 12 determines on the
basis of the contents information recorded in the recording
apparatus 15 whether the ordered contents have been delivered to
another device (the reception and reproduction device 2 in the
present embodiment) (step 5003).
[0100] If the ordered contents have been delivered to another
device (yes at the step 5003), the control apparatus 12 determines
on the basis of delivery information recorded in the recording
apparatus 15 whether the specified contents are copy-free (step
5004).
[0101] If the specified contents are not copy-free (no at the step
5004), the control apparatus 12 determines via the external storage
medium management apparatus 13 whether an external storage medium 3
having an ID associated with the specified contents is connected
(step 5005).
[0102] If an external storage medium 3 having an associated ID is
not connected (no at the step 5005), the control apparatus 12
causes the output apparatus 17 to display a view for urging the
user to connect a proper external storage medium 3 (step 5006).
[0103] If the specified contents have not been delivered to another
device (no at the step 5003), the specified contents are copy-free
(yes at the step 5004), or an external storage medium 3 having an
associated ID is connected (yes at the step 5005), then the control
apparatus 12 decrypts the encrypted contents recorded in the
recording apparatus 15 and the output apparatus 17 outputs the
decrypted contents (step 5007). It is also possible that the
control apparatus 12 brings the contents into a reproducible state
by using the program of the component form having the contents
reproduction function mounted thereon, and the output apparatus 17
outputs the decrypted contents. By the way, decryption at the step
5007 is not conducted if the contents have not been encrypted.
[0104] By the way, the step 5003, the step 5004 and the step 5005
may be interchanged in order.
[0105] By the way, the step 5005 may be conducted at the step 5007
by the program of the component form having the contents
reproduction function mounted thereon.
[0106] Hereafter, the contents information, ID and delivery
information held in association in the recording apparatus 15 in
the recording and transmission device 1 in the present embodiment
will be described with reference to FIG. 14.
[0107] The second embodiment shown in FIG. 14 differs from the
first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that delivery information
including contents delivery date and hour 157 and delivery
destination device ID 158 is provided. Date and hour when the
communication apparatus 11 in the recording and transmission device
1 has transmitted contents to the reception and reproduction device
2 at the step 2010 is held in the field of the delivery date and
hour 157. An ID of a device of contents delivery destination (the
reception and reproduction device 2 in the present embodiment) is
held in the field of the delivery destination device ID 158. In
FIG. 14, there are the delivery date and hour and the delivery
destination device ID as the delivery information. Besides, the
delivery information may include the communication information used
for the delivery and the term of validity. Furthermore, the
delivery information may simply include only whether there is an
actual delivery result.
[0108] Heretofore, embodiments of the present invention have been
described.
[0109] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it
can be determined on the basis of determination using the ID of the
external storage medium 3 whether the device of the delivery
destination of contents data is connected to the external storage
medium 3. Therefore, the recording and transmission device 1 can
deliver contents data to only the reception and reproduction device
2 connected to an external storage medium 3 having registered
unique information.
[0110] Even if the recording and transmission device 1 has a
contents reproduction unit and the reception and reproduction
device 1 has a recording unit, according to the second embodiment
of the present invention, reproduction of the same contents is
limited to one of the devices connected to the external storage
device. Even if in fact encrypted contents are recorded in both
devices, therefore, the situation becomes the same in substance as
that in which the contents are not duplicated.
[0111] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the
present invention, it seems to the user as if the contents data are
stored in the external storage medium 3, and the user can reproduce
and view the contents data without caring about the actual storage
destination.
[0112] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the
present invention, the recording and transmission device 1
transmits the program of the component form having the contents
reproduction function mounted thereon, together with the contents
to the reception and reproduction device 2. The reception and
reproduction device 2 brings the contents into a reproducible state
by using this program. Even if contents are those encoded by using
an uncorresponding encoding scheme, therefore, the reception and
reproduction device 2 can reproduce the contents. Furthermore, even
if the function of reproducing contents only when the external
storage medium 3 is connected is not mounted, the reception and
reproduction device 2 can implement the function by using the
program.
[0113] As heretofore described, according to the embodiment of the
present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for
reproducing contents in a different device conveniently in use,
while protecting a copyright of digital contents.
[0114] In the description of the present embodiment, the contents
information and communication information stored in the external
storage medium 3 are written by the recording and transmission
device 1 at the time of connection. If individual identification of
the external storage medium 3 is possible, however, direct
connection may not be performed. For example, the recording and
transmission device 1 may transmit the contents information to the
reception and reproduction device 2 via the network 4, identify the
ID of the external storage medium 3 connected to the reception and
reproduction device 2, and cause information to be written into the
external storage medium 3.
[0115] If in this case the user carries the external storage medium
3 out of the user's house and views contents recorded in the
recording and transmission device 1 in the user's house from the
reception and reproduction device 2 in a house of the user's
friend, it becomes possible to view contents newly received and
recorded by the recording and transmission device 1.
[0116] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ID of the
external storage medium 3 is used as a key for contents
reproduction. On the basis of the fact that the ID of the external
storage medium 3 is not duplicated, simultaneous reproduction of
the same contents is prevented. The key of contents reproduction
may not be the ID of the external storage medium 3, so long as it
is not duplicated. For example, in the case where electronic
information having no substance is used as a key for reproduction,
it is necessary to mount a mechanism for erasing key information in
its own device immediately after transmission of the key
information to the opposite party, so as to prevent the recording
and transmission device 1 and the reception and reproduction device
2 from duplicating key information each other.
[0117] By doing so, it becomes possible to individually view
contents recorded in the recording and transmission device 1 in
one's house, from a plurality of reception and reproduction device
2 in a cottage.
[0118] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, security of
communication among the recording and transmission device 1, the
reception and reproduction device 2, and the external storage
medium 3 is not described, but security is ensured by using an
ordinary cipher communication scheme. For example, communication
may be conducted by converting an ID with a unidirectional function
such as the hash function so as to prevent the ID from been known
even if information on the communication path is looked at
furtively.
[0119] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the recording and
transmission device 1 and the reception and reproduction device 2
have been described as separate devices. Alternatively, one device
which has both functions and a part of which is separated may also
be used.
[0120] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, contents encryption
and decryption processing includes contents encoding and
decoding.
[0121] It should be further understood by those skilled in the art
that although the foregoing description has been made on
embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited thereto
and various changes and modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *